By Ben Stroup
Buckeye Valley’s boys soccer team, which finished just behind co-champs Fairbanks and Jonathan Alder in the MOAC standings last fall, saw Wednesday’s showdown with the visiting Panthers as an opportunity to take the next step.
An early penalty in the box changed things a bit, though, as Fairbanks used the ensuing PK to take a lead — a lead it parlayed into a 1-0 win.
Going down a goal in the 23rd minute didn’t help, but being forced to play a man down for the entire second half is what really hurt the Barons.
“We responded very well to a rather unfortunate situation,” BV coach Eric Staley said. “Everyone stepped it up in the second half, and it seemed like we were still playing with eleven. Caleb (King) made some very strong saves to keep us alive and we managed 10 shots, but we could only get two on frame.”
From Tuesday
Hayes picked up a win in its first action of the season, doubling up host Teays Valley 4-2 Tuesday evening.
Justin McKee sparked the offense with a pair of goals, Nathan Lippincott found the back of the net via a successful penalty kick and Brandon Becker added a tally. Brody Kannally, Ryan Krusen and Becker were credited with assists in the win.
Also: Dublin Jerome 3, Olentangy 0; Watkins Memorial 3, Big Walnut 0.
GIRLS TENNIS
Liberty picked up its second straight win over a top-three team Wednesday, edging host Indian Hill 3-2 in Cincinnati.
Alexia Meyer and Alexis Steer boosted the Patriots on the singles courts. Meyer beat Caroline Anderson 6-3, 6-2 at first singles while Steer outlasted Gracey Hirsch 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 at second singles.
Liberty’s other win came at first doubles, where Anna Delaney and Lizzie Radkiewicz teamed up for a 6-0, 6-4 win.
Also: Kilbourne 3, Big Walnut 2
VOLLEYBALL
Liberty opened league play with a win Wednesday, handling Central Crossing 25-11, 25-12, 25-13.
Shelby Stewart led the way with 11 kills and six blocks, Maddie Fogg finished with 24 assists and Lauren Nichols closed with 10 digs.
From Tuesday
Orange picked up its third straight win to start the season Tuesday, dropping host Marion Harding 3-0 in non-league action.
The Pioneers, led by Sam Rubal and Ashlan Riley, won the first set 25-8 before sealing the deal with wins of 25-16 and 25-13.
The duo combined for 18 kills, nine apiece, while Jordan Gels finished with 10 aces, Sophie Dahn closed with 11 digs and Carrigan O’Reilly finished with a team-best 19 assists.
Buckeye Valley 3, Hayes 0
The Barons swept the host Pacers in the teams’ Volley For the Cure match Tuesday in Delaware, taking the first set 25-20 before smoothing out the scoring summary with wins of 25-19 and 25-21.
Olivia Busby led BV with 15 digs while Abby Ross closed with four service aces, Cameron Romo tallied 19 assists and Siearra McCulley collected a team-best nine kills.
Also: Highland def. Big Walnut 21-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10; Gahanna Lincoln def. Olentangy 25-19, 25-14, 25-22.
GIRLS SOCCER
Big Walnut picked up a solid non-league win Tuesday in Pataskala, blanking host Watkins Memorial 3-0.
Kelly Kreager scored a pair of goals in the win while Bailey Bodker added another.
Colleen White and Jordan Foxworthy finished with a combined nine saves in the Golden Eagle goal, White with seven and Foxworthy two.
Also: Hilliard Bradley 2, Liberty 0; Dublin Jerome 3, Olentangy 1.
GIRLS GOLF
Orange 2nd (327), Liberty 3rd (339), Olentangy 4th (387), Hayes 7th (423) at OCC-Cardinal Tournament.
Follow Ben Stroup on Twitter @delgazette_ben.
